A Conservative councillor in Maida Vale has been blasted by his political rivals after comparing local children with the “Hitler Youth”.

In an exchange on social networking site Twitter with local residents, Cllr Thomas Crockett, who recently celebrated his first year as a councillor, said: “Just been ruthlessly interrogated by band of kids whn guerrilla gardenng…if things hd turned out diffrntly the HJ wd hv been well-stocked! (sic)”

When challenged by local residents as to the meaning of ‘HJ’, he clarified his use of the german abbreviation: “I’m afraid I meant the Hitler Jugend! Perhaps the scouts should do more marching and recruit!”

Labour councillors expressed their outrage at the controversial jibe and called on the leaders of the Conservatives on Westminster Council to “give him (Cllr Crockett) a severe warning not to say anything so stupid ever again.”

Taking to social media to defuse the mounting storm over his comments, Cllr Crockett, who works as a barrister, tweeted: “My earlier comment on the HJ was made in the heat of the moment and on reflection was unwise. Apologies.”

Asked whether Westminster Conservatives would be taking disciplinary action, Cllr Philippa Roe, leader of Westminster Council, said: “He has already apologised on social media at the earliest possible opportunity and so I regard this matter as closed.”